Recently, the “Korean Shipbuilding Consortium,” composed of South Korea’s general trading company STX Group, Hanwha Ocean’s module construction subsidiary Hanwha Ocean EcoTech (formerly Samwoo Heavy Industry Co., Ltd.), and Korea Maritime Technology Co., Ltd. (KOMAC), partnered with Peru’s Naval Industrial Services Group (SIMA) and was ultimately selected as the preferred bidder (priority negotiator) in the international open tender for a 40-meter oceanographic research vessel ordered by the Peruvian Sea Institute (IMARPE). A formal contract is soon to be signed.
The vessel will be constructed at the Chimbote Shipyard under the Peruvian Naval Industrial Services Group. Upon delivery, it will replace the Peruvian Sea Institute’s 1997-built oceanographic research vessel “José Olaya Balandra,” serving as a research platform for monitoring Peru’s coastal marine environment and aquatic resources, as well as addressing climate change.
The “Korean Shipbuilding Consortium” plans to provide a “CKD (Complete Knock Down) package” for the vessel’s construction, including design, procurement of key materials, and technology transfer.
The consortium’s reference vessel is the oceanographic research vessel “CHEONG GYONG,” commissioned by Chonnam National University in 2023. It meets the research and survey requirements of the Peruvian Sea Institute and has been optimized for key configurations such as range, research equipment, and crew accommodations based on local environmental conditions. This new oceanographic research vessel is set to enter service in 2027 and is expected to make tangible contributions to the Peruvian government’s efforts to strengthen marine scientific capabilities and build self-reliance.
Industry insiders in South Korea noted that the “Korean Shipbuilding Consortium,” composed of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-tier firms with outstanding technical expertise and proven track records, outcompeted several renowned large domestic and international shipbuilders for this order, marking a significant achievement.
The vessel’s design is handled by Korea Maritime Technology, South Korea’s first specialized ship design company with a portfolio of over 1,800 vessel designs. The company previously handled the basic, detailed, and production design of the “CHEONG GYONG” oceanographic research vessel. Additionally, it has designed various vessel types, including very large crude carriers (VLCCs), LNG carriers, and container ships, for domestic and international shipbuilders, boasting extensive practical design experience and maintaining a leading position in ship design and engineering.
The “CKD” materials for the vessel, including the hull, equipment, and coatings, will be supplied by Hanwha Ocean EcoTech. The company was also the builder of the “CHEONG GYONG” oceanographic research vessel and holds the top domestic position in constructing special-purpose vessels such as patrol ships, firefighting boats, and tugboats. Formerly known as Samwoo Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. (DSSW), it was established in 2007 as a manufacturer of ship and offshore equipment components. In 2010, it was integrated into the former Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) subsidiary group, primarily producing high-value-added ship equipment, with most of its revenue coming from DSME. After DSME was acquired by Hanwha Group in May 2023, Samwoo Heavy Industry held a board meeting to approve a name change, rebranding as “Hanwha Ocean EcoTech” and marking a fresh start.
STX Group has been collaborating with the Peruvian Naval Industrial Services Group since 2013, jointly constructing eight 500-ton-class patrol boats. Leveraging this experience, STX Group will provide comprehensive support for the Peruvian oceanographic research vessel project, including project management, logistics, local supervision, legal, and financial guarantees, to compensate for the limitations of South Korean SMEs and mid-tier firms.
A representative from STX Group stated: “This project combines STX Group’s global shipbuilding and offshore project execution experience, Hanwha Ocean EcoTech’s expertise in special-purpose vessel construction, and Korea Maritime Technology’s precision design capabilities. Through close cooperation with the Peruvian Naval Industrial Services Group, we will make substantive contributions to the Peruvian government’s efforts to enhance maritime capabilities and achieve technological self-reliance. This will serve as a significant milestone for South Korean SMEs and mid-tier shipbuilders expanding into the South American market.”
